Reading Roman Inscriptions

There are hundreds of inscriptions to be found on Roman tombstones in museums throughout the country. They tell us a great deal about the Romans in Britain. However, to save space the wording is full of abbreviations and the meaning of the typical inscription is lost on the average museum visitor. But fluency in Latin is not necessary to read inscriptions. By learning a few basic rules and formulae anyone can become proficient at reading the inscription and understanding what it tells us about Roman Britain.

John Rogan read History and Theology at the University of Durham. He is an Occasional Lecturer at the University of Bristol and The Workers' Educational Association and has produced a number of articles and books. He is a former provost of St Paul's Cathedral, Dundee